Overview & Reviews

The Toyota Camry quietly debuted late in the 1983 model year, when Toyota replaced its old rear-wheel-drive Corona with the front-wheel-drive Camry, a car aimed specifically at the U.S. market. From these humble beginnings, the Camry would go on to dominate the midsize family sedan segment for virtually all of the next quarter-century, as consumers immediately embraced it for its high build quality, comfortable ride and impressive durability.

New or used, the Camry comes pretty highly recommended. As the Camry sells in such high numbers, finding one that matches your criteria should be pretty easy. It is worth noting that the family segment has improved greatly in more recent years. Many competing sedans have matched or outpaced the Camry in terms of quality and desirability, particularly in comparison to the sixth-generation model. The latest version of the Camry, however, has largely shored up the car's reputation as a go-to choice.

Current Toyota Camry
The five-passenger Toyota Camry is offered in L, LE, SE, SE Sport and XLE trim levels with a choice of two engines. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder produces 178 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, while the available (depending on trim) 3.5-liter V6 makes 268 hp and 248 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission offered, and sends power to the front wheels.

The Camry L's feature highlights include air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth, a touchscreen display and a six-speaker sound system with a USB interface. Stepping up to the LE gets you a few more features, while the SE spices things up with a sport-tuned suspension and sporty styling treatments. The SE Sport features bigger wheels, a sunroof and a power driver seat. The luxurious XLE reverts to a softer suspension and adds a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats and leather upholstery (V6). A premium audio system with a larger touchscreen and upgraded navigation system can be added to XLE models.

It should be noted that halfway into the 2014 model year, the Camry's standard equipment was revised. As such, the rearview camera became standard across the board, the upper trims picked up some enhanced audio features and the Entune name was expanded to cover all of the car's infotainment systems (not just the one with smartphone integration).

In reviews, we've praised this Toyota Camry's interior, which provides roomy seating, admirable outward visibility and well-placed controls. What the cabin design lacks in cohesiveness, it makes up for with generally good materials quality, especially the handsome stitching on the dash and door panels of upper trims. Toyota's Entune system is also praiseworthy in the way it easily adds enhanced audio, information and navigation features, although the touchscreen's virtual buttons can be a little frustrating to use at times.

Overall, this Camry provides the comfort and the quiet and smooth ride that should please a wide swath of midsize sedan shoppers. Power and fuel economy are excellent with either engine as well. The only major downside is the car's handling, which isn't as lively or engaging as that of other top family sedans, such as the Honda Accord or Nissan Altima.

Used Toyota Camry Models
The latest (seventh) generation Toyota Camry debuted for 2012 and has a number of significant improvements over the previous one. The interior is significantly nicer than before, and the four-cylinder engine is more powerful. Yet the car is still unmistakably a Camry, with a focus on pragmatic appeal and convenience. Changes since have been minimal. For 2014, the SE Sport trim level joined the lineup, while halfway through that model year saw some minor equipment shuffling that included the rearview camera becoming standard across the board.

The previous sixth-generation Camry was produced for the 2007-'11 model years. In reviews, we commented favorably about the Camry's spacious cabin, powerful and fuel-efficient optional V6, plush ride quality and top crash test scores. Unlike older Camrys, though, this one was let down by disappointing interior plastics, inconsistent fit and finish and uninspiring driving dynamics for non-SE models. It's a respectable choice for a used family sedan, but we thought more highly of competing models, such as the Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima.

For most of its production run, the Camry was offered in LE, SE and XLE trim levels. The entry-level model was labeled as the CE trim, but only for the first year. Base and LE models came fairly well equipped, while the SE brought with it a sport-tuned suspension. The softer-sprung XLE included items such as a premium sound system, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power passenger seat, reclining rear seats and leather upholstery (V6). Most of the features on the higher-trimmed models were offered on supporting trims as options. Other major options included a sunroof and a navigation system.

This Camry was offered with either a four- or six-cylinder engine, with improvements made over the years. The initial base engine was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produced 158 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque (slightly lower in California and other states). A five-speed manual or five-speed automatic was available, though four-cylinder XLEs were automatic only. The 3.5-liter V6 produced 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque and was paired to a six-speed automatic only.

In 2010, the base engine was increased to 2.5 liters and power output was boosted to 169 hp. The SE was further pushed to 179 hp. Both manual and automatic transmissions were also upgraded to six speeds. Other 2010 changes included a restyled grille and taillights, and standard stability control, satellite radio and Bluetooth for all models.

Previous to this was the fifth-generation car that was produced from 2002-'06. As expected, it was a comfortable sedan that offered a roomy cabin, a choice of inline-4 or V6 power and, depending on trim level and optional equipment, most of the latest safety features such as stability control and side curtain airbags. However, prior to 2005, the base Camry did not come standard with antilock brakes. As with other Camrys, we generally found this generation to be very good in terms of room, comfort and feature content.

Three engines were available for this generation. The first was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that made 154 hp (145 with PZEV emissions controls). It was mated to either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission (four-speed prior to '05) and should be powerful enough for the majority of buyers. A 3.0-liter V6 that generated 190 hp was also available (18 hp less prior to '04) on the LE and XLE trim levels, while a 210-hp, 3.3-liter V6 (introduced for 2004) was available on the SE model only. These six-cylinder Camrys came with the automatic only. In previous years, these power numbers were higher because of a change in measurement that occurred in 2006, although actual output never changed.

Like the more recent versions, the 1997-2001 Toyota Camry sedan offered a quiet, stress-free driving experience. Many desirable modern features were also available, including side airbags and antilock brakes (which became standard on all trim levels except the base CE). It, too, was offered with four- and six-cylinder powertrains.

Although a Camry older than 1997 is likely to have quite a few miles on it, it is still something to consider for folks on a tight budget. Provided it has been faithfully maintained, a 1992-'96 Camry (which was available in coupe, sedan and wagon body styles) should be able to spin its odometer to nearly 200,000 miles without major problems. It's this final trait, more than any other, that has kept the Toyota Camry popular with buyers over the last two decades.

User Reviews:

• 

  Loving My New 2007 SE Camry! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Omar - November 30 - 3:56 pm

  I just bought my new 2007 Camry SE 4- cyl today! What an amazing car, its a very sporty car. Forget the talk abotu the camry being a family car, the 2007 SE with spoiler and body kit definitely redefines camrys image, my friends cant believe its a camry! The sporty fabric and seats plus the stiffened suspension defintely make this a great car to drive. Of course a camry cannot be considered a sports car, but for the price the SE trim is definitely pushing the envelope.

• 

  Fell Apart Fast - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By benisj - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I loved this car until mile 103,999. Recently started while driving. If stalls, wont restart for 15-60 min. No check engine light. Several mechanics, no one can fix problem. Tried cleaning EGR system and throttle body, going to try replacing distributor next. This is a common occurrence (google search: 94 camry engine dies quits stalls). Everyone explains exact same symptoms. I still love the car, disappointed at how fast it fell apart (went from random to daily in under one month). Now afraid to drive it. If buying a used one, have a dealer check EGR system, distributor, and ignition coil!

• 

  Wish I had bought something else. - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By JacobL - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Okay, wish I had looked around more before buying.

• 

  5th Camry, and Loving It! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By James - November 29 - 6:20 am

  Love my 04 Camry LE! Great car! Great quality! Super quiet, and super- solid! Attractive, upscale design!

• 

  Toyota XLE V6 - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Harry K - November 28 - 10:00 am

  My Toyota has been one dependable car. It has never left me stranded, though I have done oil changes and maintenance, incl. belt changes, regularly. I feel its quality from the factory is obvious in its feel and confidence the car engenders. It has treated my family well.

• 

  Best in its class - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By jekir - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This is simply the best mid size 4 door car for the money. I travel alot and get approx. 30 mpg w. a 6 cyl. Seats arent very comfortable but car handles great w/ a smooth ride. No problems except original tires wore out quickly and local Dallas dealership was a jerk. Wont buy from them again.

• 

  Extrimly Fun - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By sashach - November 28 - 12:07 am

  We bought 2009 Camry Se about 8 months ago in Autumn and i have to say in the beginning it was a little iffy. The first thing we noticed is rattles in the dash panel, which Toyota told us would cost 900$ to fix. (p.s. i fixed most of the rattles for 10$ by applying a thin strip of spongy material under the dashboard clock). Another thing that was little strange is the whining noise coming from the engine on low rpms, but after asking around i was told its the way engine works and no problems after 10 k km. Other than that it is a gorgeous car, this is my first vehicle and its my baby. One thing to note is if buying, ask if the car has wind kit and nv008-07 upgrade.

• 

  Better than Avalon or Lexus - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Bob in Carolina - November 24 - 11:40 am

  Even at 60,000 it still runs and looks great-no wear at all on leather interior. Get about 29 miles per gallon mixed city and highway. The V^ delivers what I want, when I want it without delays. When I think about trading, I get in it and end up asking myself "are you crazy?" I have looked at 2007 Lexus, Camry XLE and Avalon, but not any better in reality. Also, not nearly as well designed inside, especialy the dash and consoles. Super low cost to maintain-change oil & filter and go for the most part. Paint is in excellent condition. Seats are exceptionally comfortable and rides like a dream.

• 

  No regrets here.... - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By No regrets here - November 24 - 10:13 am

  Bought my car from new from a credit union, so I didnt even have to go and put up with the dealer. Paid below invoice, definitely recommend that route. Car is absolutely fabulous!!

• 

  Buyer Beware - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By ItsaLemon - November 23 - 2:00 am

  My engine sludged up badly, which is a common problem with many toyota models, and the public is unaware for the most part. Many camry and other model owners have had their engines seize up. It was a miracle that mine didnt fail, and now I only use fully synthetic oil in it, which better resists the high heat in these engines. This is definitely my last toyota.